Tesla stands at a pivotal moment in its corporate history, navigating simultaneous challenges that could significantly impact its future direction. The electric vehicle manufacturer confronts escalating regulatory pressure while shareholders prepare to decide on Elon Musk’s unprecedented compensation package this week.
Shareholder Decision Looms on Landmark Compensation
On November 6th, Tesla investors will cast their votes on a compensation arrangement for CEO Elon Musk that could potentially make him the world’s first trillionaire. This ambitious package ties Musk’s rewards to the achievement of extraordinary corporate milestones:
- Annual production of 20 million vehicles
- 10 million Full Self-Driving subscriptions activated
- Operational fleet of 1 million humanoid robots
- Deployment of 1 million robotaxis
While influential advisory firms ISS and Glass Lewis have recommended shareholders reject the proposal, Tesla’s board emphasizes Musk’s indispensable role in steering the company through its artificial intelligence and robotics transformation.
Door Handle Investigation Intensifies
Separately, Tesla faces mounting regulatory challenges as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) significantly expanded its probe into the company’s electronic door handles. The safety investigation now encompasses Model 3 and Model Y vehicles manufactured between 2017 and 2022, following new complaints about potential safety defects.
The situation has gained urgency due to documented incidents where children became trapped inside overheated vehicles, requiring emergency responders to break windows for rescue. Tesla must submit comprehensive documentation regarding door handles, locking mechanisms, and 12-volt batteries by December 10th, with potential penalties reaching $139 million for compliance failures.
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The regulatory pressure intensified further with a November 3rd lawsuit where a family holds Tesla responsible for fatalities following a collision.
European Market Performance Declines
Tesla’s challenges extend to its international operations, with European sales figures painting a concerning picture. October sales plummeted 89% in Sweden, 86% in Denmark, and 50% in Norway compared to previous periods. Through September 2025, overall European sales have declined 28.5% year-over-year.
The competitive landscape has shifted notably in Denmark, where Tesla has been surpassed by several Chinese manufacturers including BYD and Xpeng in market share.
Amid these challenges, Tesla’s energy storage division provided a rare bright spot, reporting third-quarter revenue growth of 44% to $3.42 billion. This segment now contributes approximately one-quarter of total company revenue, bolstered by supply agreements with Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI.
Crossroads for the EV Pioneer
As Tesla approaches tomorrow’s critical shareholder decision, the company navigates multiple fronts simultaneously. Beyond the compensation vote and regulatory scrutiny, Tesla contends with substantial sales declines in key European markets and an increasingly crowded electric vehicle landscape. The outcome could determine whether Tesla faces its most significant test to date or positions itself for another technological breakthrough.
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